11 Best Emotional Support Dog Breeds For Anxiety

Dogs are a great way to combat many disabilities, which is why we’ve created this list of the 11 best emotional support dog breeds for anxiety, since anxiety is something dogs are well equipped for.

Anxiety is not a fun thing to have, but dogs are wonderful and comforting and I firmly believe everyone should have a dog around them at all times. Unless you’re allergic. But take a Benadryl maybe and don’t ruin this for the rest of us. Every time a dog is in the same vicinity as me I am immediately serene and I feel loved and comforted. Anxiety comes in a lot of different forms and it’s different for everyone. I only know from my experiences that I’m usually calmed by the presence of an animal, especially when I have to take care of it. Sometimes it’s debilitating to have a mental illness and you don’t want to get out of bed, but when you know you have to take care of an animal in order for it to stay alive it’s something motivating to be up and out for even just a few minutes. Dogs love so unconditionally and they can sense when their owner isn’t feeling well, and it’s a pretty sure fact that they’ll be there to cuddle you to make you feel better.

Anxiety is a mental illness that leads you to feel fear and panic. It occurs under a variety of circumstances and there isn’t necessarily one cause. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says that 18 percent of the US population is affected by an anxiety disorder. This equates to about 40 million adults over the age of 18. A way to cope with anxiety is to have something or someone there as a comfort. Dogs tend to work well for this, which is also proven in our list of the 11 Best Therapy Dog Breeds For Autistic Children.

There’s something extremely nice about having a dog there to brighten your day, and we gathered a list of the most recommended dogs for anxiety from Quora, Bustle, and Dogasholic. The breeds that came up the most are the ones that made the list. Keep reading to learn about the 11 best emotional support dog breeds for anxiety.

11. Flat Coated Retriever

Retrievers are happy and energetic and will encourage you to perk up even when you’re not feeling too great.

10. Irish Setter

Irish Setters are socially inclined and love to hang out with you.

9. Bichon Frise

These are a small breed that is well suited to apartment life if you’re someone who doesn’t have a lot of space for a pet.

8. Maltese

Malteses are also a small breed that are quite gentle, which is why they’re on the list of 11 best emotional support dog breeds for anxiety.

7. Collie

Collies are so smart and beautiful they’ll know exactly how to calm you from an anxiety attack.

6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The name sounds so boring that this dog can’t possibly have a ton of energy. Even though the name is pretentious, these dogs are loving and great if you have anxiety, which is why they’re on the list of the 11 best emotional support dog breeds for anxiety.

5. Beagle

Beagles are pure and soft and have comforting ears. They’re so loyal and beautiful.

4. Pug

Pugs are even-tempered, intelligent, and hilarious to be around. Pugs make me feel so serene because of their energy and I would die for every single pug in this world.

3. Standard Poodle

Poodles are super smart and also hypoallergenic, so even if you have mild allergies you could still have a therapy dog.

2. Labrador Retriever

Labs are highly recommended for people with anxiety because as much as we love companionship they love it too and will adore you forever.

1. Golden Retriever

Coming in at number one is the golden retriever, which is well known for being energetic, loving, and comforting. They’re super social and if you can handle a lot of dog hair in your house they’ll be perfect for you.

That concludes our list of the 11 best emotional support dog breeds for anxiety. I feel better even thinking about having a dog near me right now, and I’m very tempted to go get one right now so it’ll love me forever. What dog breed soothes your anxiety?